PENSIONERS Valerie and Reg Glassey say they are "heartbroken" at a decision to scrap blood tests at their community health centre.

The couple, of Dunsmore Avenue, Willenhall, Coventry, have regularly attended the surgery in Remembrance Road for vital blood tests for the past three years.

But now cash-strapped Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust has stopped all clinic-based blood testing in a bid to save money.

The couple will now have to attend University Hospital at Walsgrave or the unit at Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital site, Stoney Stanton Road, several times a month.

Mum-of-five Mrs Glassey, aged 64, is in remission from cancer and needs regular tests to check her liver function and cholesterol.

She said: "We've lived in Willenhall for 43 years and we love it here.

"We've got a lovely new surgery and the staff are so friendly, but we can't go there any more for the one thing people like us really need it for.

"I have to fast overnight before cholesterol tests, which isn't a problem if I'm just going round to the doctor's, but it is if I have to go all the way to Walsgrave and wait to be seen."

Mr Glassey, aged 69, who has been married to Valerie for 48 years, is on blood-thinning medication and needs a blood test once a week.

He said he was worried that the already busy hospital car park would be pushed to breaking point by all the extra people turning up for their blood tests.

PCT director of primary care Peter Hodder said: "The PCT recognises that for each individual their own circumstances are important.

"However, the NHS has a duty to prioritise services for those with the greatest health need within the financial resources available.

"The service has not been disestablished and recognising that central clinics will be less convenient for some people, we've diverted resources to provide more comprehensive care to those who need blood tests in their home due to the nature of their illness."

Hard cuts part of bid to save £10.5million

THE cuts to the community-based blood testing service are part of a raft of measures by health chiefs to save cash.

Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust is heading for a £10.5 million deficit at the end of this financial year, and is trying to claw back the cash for next year.

The Coventry Telegraph reported at the end of last year that the trust was slashing 24 clinical jobs and axing services - including community blood tests and aromatherapy.

The cuts originally included more than 40 job losses, but after consultations other ways to save money were found and several jobs were saved.